The Linder Family and Staff

“Being in the jewelry business is like stepping into a magical world of beauty, passion and lasting relationships. The history, lore, and power of jewelry keep us captivated. However, it is our amazing customers sharing their most intimate milestones that inspire our jewelry journey.” So declare Michael and Rita Linder, owners of Jewel Mark, a Santa Fe institution for four decades that is now happily ensconced in a beautiful, new setting at 233 Canyon Road.

They relate a fortuitous experience that happened while dining at the Compound a few years ago. Their party included the Jewel Mark staff and a watch company representative. Intrigued by the fun and laughter at the table, native New Mexican George Maloof asked if he could join them. The Linders report, “Of course we said yes. George dined and drank with us, and ended up purchasing four watches that night!”

With regard to Jewel Mark’s future, the Linders aspire to maintaining their wonderful relationships with their clients and to continuing to supply gorgeous, innovative jewelry. In their words, “We would like to keep our warmth glowing as we settle into our new location by offering our clients a family-like atmosphere. Our store is in a beautiful home our landlord grew up in. This really ties into our sense of who we are and how we would like our customers to feel. We want them to experience a deep sense of family where trust, integrity and our passion always thrive.” With a philosophy such as that, the Linders can count on having their dream fulfilled: “clients coming back to old Santa Fe—the Santa Fe you remember from when you grew up—on Canyon Road, where familiarity meets beauty.”

See Jewel Mark's Essential Guide listing.

See the Jewel Mark website: www.jewelmark.net

Owner Jean Mayer

Hotel St. Bernard founder and owner Jean Mayer relates, “While in college in Nice, France, I created a project that was the beginning of a dream: the design of an alpine ski lodge in the mountains. After coming to the United States, I enlisted in the Army in the 10th Mountain Division and was stationed in Garmisch, Germany. As head of the ski patrol, I met Harvey Chalker, who was a part of this team. We decided to come to the same region in the United States at the completion of our term. Harvey established the first Alpine Ski Shop in Santa Fe, while I went to Taos Ski Valley as the technical director of the ski school.”

In 1960 Mayer began building the Hotel St. Bernard. His cites as his inspiration “the quality of the snow, the extreme challenge of the mountain, the opportunity to shape the ski school (which remains the top in the country), and being on the edge of technical advancement.” He notes it’s taken 40 years to create what the hotel is known for today, and points out, “the architecture reveals how it grew out of necessity, reflecting a strong alpine style with local influence. It includes original tables from La Fonda, handcarved Padre Martinez chairs, and a central copper fireplace designed by Malcolm Brown and me.”

Mayer proudly describes his hotel as “focused on family, which consists of the staff and management, as well as guests who have been coming for three or four generations, having created a tradition of being together for a ski week.” One of the hotel’s delights is that its communal tables feature both an abundance of creative, inspired food and lively conversation. In Mayer’s words, the Hotel St. Bernard is “a place where people are introduced to beauty and the aesthetic sense of the mountain lifestyle.”

See Hotel St. Bernard's Essential Guide listing.

See the Hotel St. Bernard website: www.stbernardtaos.com

Owners Reserl and Harvey Chalker

The setting is Garmisch, in the Bavarian Alps, more than half a century ago. At a Faschings Ball (carnival), US Army ski patroller Harvey Chalker meets Reserl, a local girl with a passion for skiing. They are introduced by Jean Mayer, who is the head of the ski patrol. Fast forward: a romance between Harvey and Reserl leads to marriage; they and Mayer, all superb skiers, end up in Northern New Mexico. A lucky twist of fate for Northern New Mexico! Mayer is the founder and owner of Hotel St. Bernard in the Taos Ski Valley, and the Chalkers own Alpine Sports in Santa Fe.

The Chalkers note that “during the first few years we talked of the need for a specialty ski store for Santa Fe.” In 1964, after a few years of planning, they opened a store in the log cabin next to Totemoff’s Bar at Santa Fe Ski Basin. A couple of years later they moved their store to Marcy Street in Santa Fe. As their business grew, it became apparent they needed a larger space to meet the demands of the growing specialty ski store. In 1971, the Chalkers moved Alpine Sports to 121 Sandoval Street, where it remains today. Their daughter, Amaya, was born on the day of store’s grand opening, making the day doubly memorable.

Over the years, Alpine Sports has received awards from Ski Magazine and Ski Business magazine, including “Top Ski Shop in the Rocky Mountains” and one of the 40 best stores in North America. This is not surprising: the Chalkers continually convey their love for the mountains, snow and skiing to their clientele. They search out and test the newest products to make the sport of skiing as exciting for their customers as it is for them.

With the development of new materials and the world-class grooming of the Ski Santa Fe and Taos ski slopes, the Chalkers feel very confident about the future of the sport of skiing. They feel equally confident about Alpine Sports, which not only specializes in skiing in the winter, but also hiking and summer mountain sports in the summertime.

See Alpine Sport's Essential Guide listing.

See the Alpine Sports website: www.alpinesports-santafe.com

Kitchens by Jeanne

“I have been in business since 1981—30 years. Yikes!” declares Jeanné Sei, owner of Kitchens by Jeanné. She explains how her business came about: “After working in my profession with a large corporation for 8½ years, I decided I wanted to start my own business. I wanted to share the knowledge I had gained in food and kitchen design, and I loved working with the public.”

There were challenges from the beginning. Sei writes, “I will never forget my first attempt at starting in the business world on my own. I had gone to a local bank to discuss obtaining a small business loan. The banker—and, yes, I still remember him—laughed at my idea of a kitchen design business, said I could never make a living doing this, and said no to the request. Boy, did I become even more steadfast in my goal! Never had I been so determined and inspired as I was after I left that bank!”

Her determination was tested, but ultimately paid off. Sei acknowledges, “As with any new business, mine was slow in taking off. With my home economics education background and knowledge of food and cooking from my previous profession, I began teaching New Mexican cooking and opening up New Mexican food restaurants from San Diego to Charleston.” Her sense of humor comes through when she describes consulting with a South Dakota restaurant serving its version of “New Mexican” food: “I was called to re-work their menu. What fun! And when I was introduced to their version of salsa, oh my! One gallonsized jug of cherry peppers—juice, stems, seeds and all—and one gallon of ketchup, poured into a commercial blender, pureed, and then served in plastic squirt bottles with chips.” She changed their menu dramatically!

Sei describes her vision for her business as being “to continue creating great kitchen spaces that are enjoyable for people to be in and a great place to cook.” Perhaps still remembering that first banker, she adds, “I’ll be around for a long while!”

See Kitchen by Jeanne's Essential Guide listing.

See the Kitchens by Jeanne website: www.kitchensbyjeanne.com

ACC

Larry Goldstone shares the story of how he came to be ACC’s owner. Needing to furnish a newly purchased home several years ago and not knowing how to proceed, he wandered into ACC—and immediately fell in love with the store’s aesthetic. Larry was introduced to Larry Nearhoof, a talented designer who was also ACC’s Visual Merchandise Manager. Together, the two Larrys collaborated to create a warm, sophisticated, beautiful décor that reflected the homeowner’s personality. The experience was so meaningful to Mr. Goldstone that in August of 2006, he purchased ACC from its founders and original owners, Carol Israel and Michael Needle. To this day, Mr. Goldstone remains ACC’s owner, President, and CEO. And Larry Nearhoof? He’s now ACC’s Senior Buyer & Visual Director, and, yes, he still helps Mr. Goldstone with all of his design and home furnishings needs!

Chip and Leslie Livingston, ACC’s former President and VP Merchandise Manager, respectively, recently retired from the company. Another talented interior designer, Jeff Fenton, serves as the company’s Senior VP and General Manager.

Now in its 25th year, ACC boasts three locations. In January, 2011, ACC was recognized as the Best Furniture Store in the Midwest and Southwest regions of the United States at the 22nd annual ARTS awards in Dallas, Texas. ACC continues to look forward to future opportunities for the business and to introducing additional new and exciting collections that set ACC apart as a leader in the home furnishings industry.

See ACC's Essential Guide listing.

See the ACC website: www.accsantafe.com

Cafe Pasqual's

“See that restaurant across the street?” Doodlet’s founder and owner Theo Raven asked, indicating a nondescript submarine sandwich shop. “Go buy it!” That was 1978, and she was speaking to Santa Fe newcomer Katharine Kagel, whose background was in catering. Kagel did just that. A year later she opened Cafe Pasqual’s, a restaurant known for fresh, seasonal, organic cuisine that draws on the flavors of New Mexico, Mexico, the Mediterranean, and Asia.

Kagel offers the origin of Pasqual’s red chile chocolate cheesecake as proof that, in her words, “Accidents are the mother of invention in the restaurant world.” She recounts going into the walk-in refrigerator to retrieve a chocolate cheesecake she had baked. “I looked high and low. Low turned out to be a good idea,” she quips, “because the cheesecake had fallen into a 5-gallon bucket of red chile sauce.” Not missing a beat, she fished it out. She “rinsed off the chile sauce under a steam of cold water, served up a slice, and told the waiter to reframe the description: we’re serving red chile chocolate cheesecake now.”

Kagel takes pleasure in showing and supporting the work of artists in Cafe Pasqual’s Gallery (on the second floor), especially those who make micaceous clay pottery: Felipe Ortega, Brian Grossnickle, and Lorenzo Mendez. Kagel also strives to educate patrons about the virtues of cooking with this versatile, handmade Jicarilla Apache and Pueblo people’s cookware.

As to the future of Cafe Pasqual’s, Kagel says it is “to continue to serve our patrons entirely organic and sustainable menu offerings, and to maintain an entire wine list of organic/sustainable bottles from around the world.” Moreover, she is steadfast in “supporting our local farmers and honoring our purveyors who work so hard with their hands and hearts to bring us the best from Mother Nature.” Cafe Pasqual’s patrons feel that same appreciation and devotion to this local institution and its founder.

See Cafe Pasqual's Essential Guide listing.

See the Cafe Pasqual's website: www.pasquals.com

Recent studies indicate guests want hotel interiors to be more “immersive” environments, that is, to be inspirational, personal, and go beyond the expected. Such environments offer a more sensory experience in which sight, touch, sound, taste and smell harmonize to leave a lasting impression. The Journal of Consumer Research reports that “Many consumers are attracted to unusual and novel consumption experiences,” and further, “This drive to collect experiences has significant ramifications for the design of restaurants, stores and other public places.”

Robin Gray, owner of RGD Rugs, concurs. “More and more, people are looking for a unique experience, something fun and different rather than the ‘stock’ hotel room we’ve experienced for so many years, something perhaps that speaks of the city or place where they are staying.” Kathy Fennema, owner of Santa Fe by Design, expresses it this way: “The design needs to be calming and comforting, giving one a sense of home, while imparting a sense of uniqueness and excitement for the surroundings.” Gloria Moss, of Moss Outdoors, believes “the hotel experience should start at the curbside,” and that it includes “the way you are greeted and escorted into the hotel reception.” From there, the lighting and visual surroundings of the lobby set the tone for the rest of guests’ stays. In short, those first few minutes dictate the rest of the experience.

Albuquerque’s Hotel Parq Central is an example of just such an interior: it offers guests a novel and memorable experience. This historical structure lies in the revitalized Huning Highland Historic District neighborhood, adjacent to Highland Park. Originally constructed in 1926 as a hospital for Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway employees, it became a children’s psychiatric hospital during the 1980s.

Views of Hotel Parq Central (photography by Lucian Niemeyer, Robert Reck, and Sergio Salvador)

For its recent metamorphosis into a boutique hotel, Hotel Parq Central designers drew on the building’s past to create an all-encompassing encounter for guests, something more than can be captured in a single word or phrase, such as “historic Southwest,” “former hospital,” or “Italianate.” The hotel describes itself as “the perfect blend of contemporary comfort and historical elegance.”

American writer Flannery O'Connor once observed, “The meaning of a story has to be embodied in it, has to be made concrete in it. A story is a way to say something that can't be said any other way, and it takes every word in the story to say what the meaning is. You tell a story because a statement would be inadequate.” O'Connor's profound observation about stories can also be applied to guests’ ideal interaction with a hotel interior.

Partners Heather Van Luchene and Steffany Hollingsworth, of HVL Interiors of Santa Fe, designed Hotel Parq Central’s interior so that guests can gather pieces of the story from each area of the hotel. Like unpacking a box of cherished memorabilia, guests examine each memento and wonder, where did it come from? Why was it kept? What was the world like back then? Vintage ephemera, such as toy trains, AT &SF railroad maps, and Albuquerque postcards, grace the hotel’s “drawing room.” Guest room corridors feature niches that display artifacts that include vintage hatboxes, railroad pegs and train maps, and a doctor's bag and its original contents. Each collection of objects is unique and entices guests to ponder it for clues as to the part of the story it tells.

According to tile designer Kim White, “Décor defines the hotel,” and in this case, “hotel guests can glimpse a bygone time in New Mexico’s history and take a step into the future.” The lobby boasts distinctive, tiled columns that reference the era in which the building was constructed. Similarly, the original tile work surrounding the new exterior windows was replicated by White for the remodel.

More details from Hotel Parq Central

In each guest room, a large framed postcard of Santa Fe Railroad Hospital catches the eye, then the shimmer of a piece of Depression glass in a shadow box, and finally a robin's egg blue throw at the foot of the bed.

In the Apothecary Lounge, the fourth-floor rooftop bar, a 1926 prescription for liquor adorns fabric on the barstool backs. Antique bottle labels decorate one wall, and a 1920s coffin carrier serves as a table base in one of the bar's VIP areas. While these items can be appreciated for their color, beauty and composition, they also invite the viewer’s imaginative interpretation.

At Hotel Parq Central, the authenticity of the experience goes deeper than thoughtful interior design: collectively, New Mexico furniture makers, blacksmiths, decorative painters, tile makers and suppliers have contributed to the magic that gives the interior its soul and connection to the community. From handcrafted furnishings, fixtures, and custom wool rugs to the bench-made-chess-table, each item represents a lengthy, thoughtful collaboration between artisan or vendor and interior designer. The result is products that work functionally because of their durability and ease of use, and aesthetically because of their timelessness.

Each of the unexpected touches at Hotel Parq Central causes guests to pause and smile. It is in this magical moment that memories are evoked and new ones are created. It is in this magical moment that the hotel becomes more than just a place to rest one's head.

For more information about HVL Interiors see their Essential Guide Listing in our Home Design Section. Also, please visit the HVL Interiors website.

Packard's on the Plaza

Packard’s on the Plaza, in the heart of Santa Fe at the end of the Old Santa Fe Trail, has a venerable, 90-year history. Founded by Frank and Marie Packard, the business was inherited by son Al in the 1950s. He quickly became one of the country’s most trusted traders of authentic Indian arts and crafts. In 1959 he chaired the organization that became today’s SWAIA, Southwestern Association for Indian Arts. He helped reshape the Fiesta Indian Market into the present-day Indian Market, the world’s premiere marketplace for Native American art. He was also instrumental in legislation to protect Native American artists and buyers of Southwestern Indian arts and crafts.

Packard once explained how it happened that Packard’s Indian Trading Company opened its doors to the public. It was a typical day at the trading post: lights off and door locked, he was playing cards with a Navajo friend, and trading silver and turquoise with Native Americans. A lady knocked on the door and peered in to see if anyone was available. “Excuse me,” she called out, “would it be all right if I came in and looked around?” Al reported the idea struck him as a novel one, and after that, Packard’s began selling to the public.

In 1979, Al sold Packard’s to Carolyn and Richard Canon. He was so impressed with the relationships they had forged with the Native American community, their deep knowledge of quality Native American and ethnic art, their commitment to dealing in authentic pieces, and their business ethics that the deal was consummated with a handshake. Packard’s had always been referred to as “The Trusted Source,” and he knew the Canons would continue that legacy.

More than two decades later, the Canons are justifiably proud of Packard’s unique collection of international and Native American art that includes jewelry, handmade pottery, Mexican tableware, Hopi Katsina doll carvings, Navaho weavings and oriental weavings from other countries.

See Packard's Essential Guide listing.

See the Packard's on the Plaza website: www.shoppackards.com

"Two Red Wolves" by Carole LaRoche

Carole LaRoche has been showing her work on Canyon Road for 27 years. She has played an important role in making Canyon Road the charming art mecca that it is today. She has been an artist her entire life, but waited to pursue painting full time until her three children were grown and on their own. When she came upon a magazine with artwork from Santa Fe, the images captivated her imagination: she knew she’d found her calling. On first visiting Santa Fe from Boston in 1983, she found the wide, desert vistas and freedom of expression extremely alluring. She was certain this would be her new home, and she’s been here ever since. She found a small casita, put up her easel, and helped form an artist colony on Gypsy Alley and Canyon Road. This was back when the neighborhood was still mostly residential, long before it became the gallery row that it is now.

Her most memorable moment during those early years was coming into her gallery one day and finding fashion designer Ralph Lauren. He was enthralled with her work and acquired three original paintings on the spot. At that moment, she knew everything was going to work out, and it did. Collectors from all over the world walk through her gallery every day, many on repeat visits, dropping by to see her latest work.

Carole still paints daily, incorporating the artistic mythology she has created of vivid animals and shaman faces. Her concern for threatened animals and other environmental dangers pushes her to get the message out.

After nearly three decades at her vocation, Carole is sometimes asked if she plans to slow down. Her reply? “Why would I? I’m doing what I love! And it still makes people happy.” Her visitors and clients would agree.

See Carole LaRoche Gallery's Essential Guide listing.

See the Carole LaRoche Gallery website: www.laroche-gallery.com

A starry-eyed couple in wedding attire, soft music, lush flowers, glowing candles, chilled champagne, a lovely cake... and chile? Well, yes! New Mexico has long been a favorite location for destination weddings, and understandably so.

For recent brides’ perspective on their weddings here, The Essential Guide surveyed half a dozen of them. The number of wedding guests ranged from 60 to 400, with most between 110 and 135. They were warm weather weddings, other than one on New Year’s Eve weekend. (The astute bride reasoned that guests would be available since it was a holiday!)

Wedding headquarters for our Santa Fe brides included La Fonda (downtown), Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort, Encantado Resort and Spa, and Buffalo Thunder Resort (all a short drive from Santa Fe). Our Taos bride selected El Monte Sagrado as her “wedding central.” More than one bride commented that the minute she saw a particular venue, she felt an instant connection and knew it was the right place. Another wrote, “I fell in love with the space [La Fonda’s Terrace] and just knew this was where we should get married.”

Two brides report their wedding was a destination for the entire wedding party and all guests, while one said it was a destination only for her family and friends. A bride from Santa Fe wanted to be married “back in my hometown.” Yet another bride recounted that she and her fiancé “spent time in Santa Fe as children and young adults on vacations.”

Two brides became engaged here—one in Santa Fe and one in Taos—making those cities logical choices for their weddings. Another bride related, “We live in New Mexico and love it here, and since this is our home (and where we met), we really never considered anywhere else. We also knew that most of our out-of-town guests and family would make Santa Fe part of their trip anyway, so we figured it would make the perfect spot.” Smart thinking!

A New York bride who chose La Fonda as her wedding headquarters expressed the sentiments of several of the brides: “We chose Santa Fe...because it is Southwestern chic, and it has a rich culture, beautiful scenery, rich history and close proximity to casinos, galleries, restaurants and bars. Santa Fe offered a different experience for my guests, a good number of whom were from the East Coast and had never been to the Southwest. The sky is blue, the air is clean, the people are friendly, the chile is delicious, the Plaza is quaint, and the view is just plain gorgeous. What more could you want!”

The Taos bride echoed similar sentiments. “The location of our wedding in Taos set the tone for the entire weekend. It’s a sacred little town with a funky atmosphere and intimate vibe. Guests enjoyed every aspect of Taos, from walking through the Plaza, to visiting the Pueblo, to taking in the sights at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, to a day trip to the Taos Ski Valley.”

As noted, most brides married at temperate times of year. The one who chose winter said the snow and luminarias made it a “magical time” of year in Santa Fe.

Each bride worked with her venue’s events planner, and each gave a glowing account of her experience. Appreciating the locale and its laid-back atmosphere, our brides paired casual, Southwest-themed pre- and post-wedding events with more traditional, formal wedding ceremonies.

Pre-wedding events included welcoming guests who arrived early in Taos with a “huge backyard barbecue.” The next day, after the wedding rehearsal, the couple set the weekend’s informal, joyful tone by hosting a Wild West Welcome party. Guests donned denim, western belts, and cowboy boots and hats.

Another couple greeted guests with a cocktail hour at Encantado’s bar and took advantage of its lovely courtyard with its glowing fire pit. Creating a “hospitality suite” where guests could hang out was also popular.

Brides hosted bachelorette parties and other pre-wedding events to thank their female bridal party members: these included a party in the Buffalo Thunder suites, an evening at Del Charro Saloon, and a day at Ten Thousand Waves, one of the country’s premiere Japanese spas. The men weren’t neglected: the groomsmen in one wedding party were treated to Buffalo Thunder’s outstanding golf course, Towa.

Rehearsal dinner locations and cuisine were equally diverse, being held both at hotels and restaurants, with Southwestern cuisine as a popular choice. At Epazote, guests attired in cowboy garb feasted on a Mexican buffet and quaffed margaritas and sangria, while a flamenco guitarist played. One couple decided on a seated dinner on the spectacular third-floor Terrace of La Fonda’s north wing. Still another opted for La Posada’s award-winning restaurant, Fuego.

What about the location of the wedding itself? Some couples exchanged vows in a wonderful exterior space at their venue, such as The Gazebo at Bishop’s Lodge, or the Buffalo Thunder courtyard. One bride chose Santa Fe’s lovely, historic Loretto Chapel, consistently chosen by Santa Fe Reporter readers as “the best place to get married.” Annually, it provides an intimate setting for more than 200 destination weddings. The equally striking and timeless San Francisco de Asís Mission Church in Ranchos de Taos was another bride’s choice: “San Francisco de Asís is one of the most photographed churches in the country and was a very special place for our ceremony.”

Ballrooms were the overwhelming choice for the wedding receptions, with food, music, and dancing. One couple’s reception featured a photo booth so they could create “a visual guestbook.” Another wedding concluded with a festive sparkler-illuminated departure for the newlyweds.

Most brides mentioned a Sunday morning farewell buffet or brunch. “We felt that was a good way to send off our guests and say thank you for coming to our wedding,” wrote one. For their guests’ convenience, these events were held at the hotel or resort—some outdoors if the weather was warm.

Several brides described gift baskets or “welcome” bags for guests. Tucked inside were goodies such as a handwritten welcome jotted on local picture postcards, the weekend’s itinerary, literature about things to see and do (copies of The Essential Guide and/or literature from the Chamber of Commerce), custom-labeled half-bottles of New Mexico’s Gruet sparkling wine, Mexican beers, limes, biscochitos (Mexican wedding cookies), and locally made tortilla chips and salsa.

Brides also mentioned something else that made their wedding particularly special for them: pieces of art they received as wedding gifts. Thoughtful reminders long after the wedding was over, these gifts included pottery from Acoma and other regional potters, a print of St. Francis Basilica, Nambé pieces, and a painting of San Francisco de Asís Church. One thoughtful groom gave his bride a “gorgeous turquoise necklace” made by a local Native American artist.

All brides used their hotel’s wedding coordinators, reporting that these talented individuals knew exactly who to contact and made sure every detail went smoothly. Here are some of their additional recommendations, some of which were used by more than one bride. Flowers: Artichokes and Pomegranates, Marisa’s Flowers, Margaret Bost; Music: a mariachi band, flutist Ron Roybal, the “high energy dance music” of Absolute Entertainment, Soulstice, the soothing sounds of Matthew Andrae, and in Taos, Max Gomez; Cake: Chocolate Maven, Jocelyn’s Cakes, and Tree House Bakery; Photography: InSight Photo; Hair and Makeup: Alix Hair Studio, Rock Paper Scissors, Ritual Hair Studio, Monika Stark of Makeup Santa Fe, and Heather Miro Hair Design (Taos); Other: Ten Thousand Waves; Faust Transportation of Taos.

• “When planning a wedding from out-of-state, it is crucial to have [hotel/wedding] staff who care about their clients and are easy to contact.”
• “Provide guests with a detailed list of places to see” that they can enjoy on their own during down times.
• “You can’t really go wrong with the weather on most days, but it’s good to have a backup plan just in case.”
• “The hot, dry air and the elevation can really have an ill effect on people who aren’t used to it or who have health problems. [Put] together a little welcome kit that includes information about the climate and elevation so your guests are prepared when they arrive.”
• “Have your hair done at the hotel or have someone come to you.”
• “Plan your wedding on a holiday weekend. Everyone will show up and have a well-needed vacation” since “along with the wedding, they can enjoy golf, swimming, gambling, dancing, shopping, and spa services.”
• El Monte Sagrado Resort and Spa is “the best and only choice” for a Taos wedding. “It was a romantic and peaceful place for guests to stay, and small enough that it felt like we reserved the entire space.”
• “I would tell brides to think about what is most important to them and splurge on that element of their wedding.”
• Meet in person anyone you’re considering as a vendor; visit any venue you’re considering. “Take note of your initial reaction to the place, the staff, everything. Don’t set your heart on anything until you’ve done your homework. And once you’ve chosen vendors you really ‘mesh’ with, listen to what they have to say.”
• “Look around your venue with an eye for your wedding photos, scoping out places that would be a good backdrop for your photographs.”
• You’ll know in your heart what the right thing is, and when you need guidance, ask for it! The professionals you hired have been a part of more weddings than you can imagine, so take advantage of their knowledge and experience!”
• “Don’t rush yourself, and don’t let the excitement of friends and family members push you to make decisions before you know what you want! Ultimately, it’s your day.”
• “Try to incorporate little touches of yourself into your wedding, so that it is unique, and take advantage of the special gifts Santa Fe and New Mexico have to offer.”
• “Most of all, in the midst of all the craziness, take it all in. It is very rare to have all of your family and friends in one place, so make sure you enjoy all the fruits of your planning! No wedding is perfect, so just go with the flow, and you will surely have a wedding to remember!”

If you’re contemplating a destination wedding in northern New Mexico, take a cue from the brides surveyed for this article. If you do, you’ll be able to say in hindsight, as one of them did, “Thinking about our wedding truly puts a smile on my face. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

For further information:

• Bishop's Lodge Website
• The Bishop's Lodge Wedding Questionnaire
• El Monte Sagrado Website
• The El Monte Sagrado Wedding Questionnaire
• Buffalo Thunder Resort Website
• The Buffalo Thunder Resort Wedding Questionnaire
• La Fonda of Santa Fe Website
• The La Fonda of Santa Fe Wedding Questionnaire
• Encantado Resort Website
• The Encantado Resort Wedding Questionnaire

Local haute couture designer Laura Sheppherd knows the wedding dress is often the first thing a bride chooses. So special is the garment that it can influence the plans for the entire wedding, from the flowers to the wedding cake.

A designer not only of couture wedding dresses, but also mother-of-the-bride, bridesmaid, eveningwear, and other special occasion dresses, Sheppherd finds inspiration in the City Different. Costumes at the Palace of the Governors, the Wheelwright Museum, and the Santa Fe Opera constantly fuel her artistic imagination. She cites Santa Fe’s unique blend of the historic and contemporary as a rich, ongoing source of creative stimulation.

Sheppherd scours the world for exquisite fabrics, from modern to rare and antique. Her French lace sources are used by all premier wedding dress designers, including Christian Lacroix. The exquisite beading and embroidery are done for Sheppherd in India.

According to Sheppherd, having a destination wedding in Santa Fe and working with a local couturier can be a lovely, relaxing experience for the bride-to-be. A one-on-one relationship with the designer ensures the bride of a unique wedding gown, one that genuinely reflects her style and flatters her. Moreover, while in town to confer with the designer and have fittings, the bride-to-be can explore venues, attend tastings, consult with florists, and so forth. Away from the demands of everyday life, she has time to discover what is truly unique about Santa Fe and decide how to incorporate it into the wedding plans. As Sheppherd knows, that uniqueness often includes a gorgeous, customdesigned wedding dress.